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Questions surround Santa Margarita woman’s death

June 13, 2010

By KAREN VELIE

On the morning she died, Janet Lucille McCarthy had planned to take flight from a tumultuous marriage, friends told CalCoastNews.

The 44-year-old Santa Margarita woman, and mother of three, was planning an extended vacation to her parents’ home in Ohio to try and figure out how to get her life in order. A friend, who planned to drive McCarthy and her children to an airport in Los Angeles, found her dead body early on Saturday morning at her home on the 22000 block of K Street.

McCarthy had recently won a battle against breast cancer.

“There is some medical history with the decedent, but because we cannot rule anything out at this point, in an abundance of caution, we have chosen to fully process the scene,” said San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Investigations Commander Ron Hastie.

An autopsy is planned for later this week.

McCarthy’s children are currently staying with relatives in Ohio.


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I just wanted to say that Janet was a good friend of mine and was one of the nicest people I knew. She would always go out of the way to help others and was always there in times of sorrow. She raised three incredible kids who I know will go on to do great things in the world. Her death will impact this community for years to come. Every person who knew her is grieving right now. I’m glad her kids are with there family right now, that is what they need. My heart goes out to the husband and children she left behind.

Janet,

You were incredible. I am so glad your in a better place now. May your spirit live on forever in your community. Rest In Peace


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Shame on all those jumping to conclusions:

Janet was my neighbor and friend who had the misfortune of passing away in her own home, at an early age. Life is unfair sometimes…

I object to the innuendo and speculation that some conspiracy or criminal act happened. There are no facts to support any of this, no complete coroner report, no completed sheriffs report, no completed autopsy report yet the amount of speculation is obscene. I blame the news media and KSBY for making this a breaking story and since I was there I did not see any news media or reporters asking any questions taking down the truth as to what happened. Let the SO do their job and keep your rumors to your selves.

The truth is Janet passed away leaving her children and family.

She was a wonderful person, loving mother and wife, giving of herself and always helping others. Imagine how it must feel for her family and children to have to hear of all these rumors and insinuations, casting a shadow on her that is very undeserving.


We will miss you Janet, rest in peace.


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I haven’t noticed that anyone has suggested a conspiracy or said she was leaving her family. They said she was taking her children with her to visit her parents. If you were her friend and neighbor then you are aware of what the rest of the neighbors are aware of. There was a “tumultuous marriage”.


It is odd that this woman was found deceased just an hour before she was to leave for the airport with her children. I haven’t seen any rumors, just a few facts and a few concerned citizens waiting for the coroner results.


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This site is noted for its spirited discussion of politicians and public figures. The survivors of this event are neither and our comments can be hurtful. Let the cops do their job but seriously, we are out of line on the rest of this story.


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I agree with you, the catalyst driving my post was/is the following:

“in an abundance of caution, we have chosen to fully process the scene,” said San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Investigations Commander”, I was incredulous upon seeing that statement and but for that statement would not have said anything here or over at the Tribune.


The facts behind this story carries some rather clear oddities. I, like others would prefer to wait and see what comes of an investigation particularly for the sake of the three children. I can not and will not make any apologies for having noted that this was a “high alert” case. Especially since I know someone who knew this family and I can tell you that there is far more than has been discussed or mentioned in these articles or posts.


It would be wonderful if we could view life through rose colored glasses with confidence of the outcome, hopefully that will be the case here. In the mean time, these sorts of incidents should always be taken seriously and there is no such thing that LEO should “decide to process a scene” in an abundance of caution when there is clear suspicion and good reason for it, the scene should always be processed. I’m pleased that CCN is watching.


I don’t care how many people don’t like my mention or concern, I will not make any apologies. To do so would be sticking my head in the sand.


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Well, if it weren’t for all that speculation, on someone knew someone who heard something, this would not be an issue or a “news” story at all…

If you actually know facts of a crime or have a true eye witness to a possible crime, then name them and spell out those facts in order to help LEO, otherwise butt out of someone elses private business… It is just this type of he said- she said, that sets the stage for “a rumor or lie repeated often enough can become true in some peoples minds.

I was there, I am a friend and I know the people personally stricen by this tragedy, I am here now, not hiding behind someone else and am here to say shame on you…


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I suggest that go back and read my post again. This has nothing to do with what he said – she said. It’s obvious that this needed to be investigated, as well as, all deaths that occur under these circumstances. Sorry that you seem to have a problem with that. Maybe your grieving and aren’t thinking straight or can’t comprehend what you read, I don’t know but you sure seem hell bent on keeping it all hush, hush, rather than noting the nonchalant position that the Sheriff’ expressed.

Like I said, go back and read my post and by the way you “are hiding” when you post here unless your name is easymoney.


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CIndy: What the Sheriff’s representative said was silly. They are continuing their investigation and then some facts should be made available. From that, we should be ablt to reengage regarding the quality of the work or what ever is determined through autopsy. A little compassion is clearly in order until then. Judging by the thumbs, most readers agree that we are into an area that could be hurtful.


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I think it’s time people get a grip and stop blaming the messenger. My brother lives on K street. There was a screaming fight in that home at 4:AM that morning. It wasn’t the first.

Cindy you are absolutely correct to voice a bit of concern.


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Thank You


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So “Bull” Why hasn’t your brother gone to the police with this information instead of being a gossip and telling you… as the investigation is ongoing I am sure they would appreciate the help.


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I’ve got to wonder who or what easymoney is really trying to protect?


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My concern is the children and what is left of this family, and that is all Like I said, if someone has proof of a crime or an eye witness to one, step up and help LEO do their job. Otherwise the rest of these comments and rumors are just that, rumours and speculation. The truth will come out in due course.


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My concern is the children and what is left of this family, and that is all Like I said, if someone has proof of a crime or an eye witness to one, step up and help LEO do their job. Otherwise the rest of these comments and rumors are just that, rumors and speculation. The truth will come out in due course.


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Easymoney you shouldn’t even respond to silly quotes like this….just some person with anger or emotional issues trying to stir the pot again! He and Cindy need to read the book “Healing the Child within”…SERIOUSLY!!

The only thing easymoney cares about protecting is those children I am sure of it ….so go spend you energy as I said in my post below. Figure a way to help these 3 children and their grieving family in Ohio….nothing good can come from immature adult speculation. Even those of us closest to this will not know the truth until the LEO is complete with their investigagtion. Trust me- that investigation is still going strong and therefore you all need to hope and pray for the best in an already devastating situation. I really don’t get where people get off doing this?


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“I don’t care how many people don’t like my mention or concern, I will not make any apologies. To do so would be sticking my head in the sand.” Cindy


To do so would be to take responsibility for your actions and to be human. Not holding my breath.


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Wow…this disturbs me. I agree with easymoney on most accounts here, as I know the family and the children well. Janet was an incredible woman- her kids and family in Ohio are grieving beyond belief. Instead of rumor and specualtion here, wouldn’t your time and enery be better spent asking for ways to help her children?

I do think that there are some peculiar circumstances here-and I know most if not all of the issues Janet faced that led her to want to take a “break” and take her children to visit her adoring, loving and caring family in Ohio for a few months. I also know what her health problems were aside from her cancer history- BUT–I am a friend and as a friend, those facts are between she and I and anyone else she opened up to about them. Many of them have no bearing on this case even if foul play is found. As I am sure everyone else does, I hope and pray for the children that this is not the case. But right now any opinion on this site is pure speculation unless someone has confessed to something improper- PERIOD. And even then- this is not a serial killer on the loose- it is still a private family matter and no one else’s business but the families right now.

While I clearly understand human curiosity, believe me I want to know the facts and rule out the specualtion that her husband could have done this. I want to believe that more than anything because I also know him well too. But that does not get us anywhere right now does it? It is in the hands of the legal system. Let them do their job, let them figure this out through investigations and interviews and testing etc., – What I need to spend my energy on now is praying for and finding ways to help her 3 beautiful children get through this now and in the future- they have lost the most precious thing to them they will ever know. I ask that you all stop arguing on this site -stop twisting things around and making issues out of people’s choice of words, act like mature adults, and spend that time and energy doing the same. LOVE YOU SWEET JANET- Rest in peace-We will help make sure your children are loved, protected and never forget you!


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I am pleased to see the Sheriff/Coroner doing due diligence with this case- even though the lady has a prior medical history, it’s best that they do an autopsy to be absolutely sure of the cause of her death. In this case they are acting in a competent manner & should not be criticized for doing their jobs in a thorough & professional manner.


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I noticed that a concerned neighbor stopped by to let us know that you are down playing the facts and that you’re also playing the roll of a self appointed hallway monitor. This appears to be something that is a concern to some people who are neighbors. This situation sounds like something that frequently spilled out into the streets and wasn’t so private as you suggest.


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I posted the facts over at the Tribune letting people know that something here sounded very fishy. If some people didn’t like it, of well! I stand by my post and don’t believe I shouldn’t have alerted people.


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People, give the Sheriff’s Office some time to sort it all out. People die of weird things all the time, accidental things that no one can foresee and take time to explain. The cops have to test and investigate, interview people and even help sort out what’s to happen with the kids.

I know the S/O has gotten a lot of grief lately, but they are still filled with very competent and dedicated cops, investigators and pathologists. Give them some time, there is obviously a LOT more that is NOT being said by the cops.

Only on TV do crimes get solved in an hour.


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Thank you!


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I cannot believe you would disclose the location of Janet’s children. I pray you have not compromised the safety of those children.


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What? Do you think the family, friends and father didn’t all know that they were on their way to visit their grand parents? People are so crazy.


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You are rude for calling people crazy for expressing concern over a loved one’s children, Your previous post said, “this is about pointing out that there are unusual circumstances that certainly should be thoroughly investigated.” There are unusual circumstances here which is why Cal Coast News is investigating Janet’s death. Children are normally protected during crime investigations. Not to mention, they deserve to have their privacy protected during the most difficult time of their lives. Maybe you should think about your posts and replies before calling anyone crazy.


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This is odd. A ‘friend’ found the body. A ‘friend’ was going to take her and her kids to the airport. Has the spouse been held for questioning? Was there evidence of foul play? Where were the kids when this happened?


This story is half-baked. Sounds like the ‘friend’ wrote it and omitted the inconvenient parts. Aside from the ‘friend’, there’s nothing to back up the ‘tumultuous-ness’.


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I find it bizarre for the Sheriff’s Department to say they are going to use an abundance of caution and conduct an autopsy. There are some very unusual circumstances here. This isn’t about gossip, this is about pointing out that there are unusual circumstances that certainly should be thoroughly investigated.


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Let your speculation rest commenters. Think about the sheer grief that these poor kids now have to deal with. Wish them the strength to cope with this enormous loss. A loss you can only know if you’ve lost your parent prematurely. And if you have , you know that EVERYTHING else is secondary right now. Everything will come out in the wash. Let’s not add insult to injury by turning message boards into gossip tabloids.


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“Janet Lucille McCarthy had planned to take flight from a tumultuous marriage” This is a bit different than I read in the Tribune today. They mentioned that she had suffered from health issues but if they were talking about the fact that “McCarthy had recently won a battle against breast cancer,” I would hardly consider this a possibility as the cause of her sudden death.


“we cannot rule anything out at this point, in an abundance of caution, we have chosen to fully process the scene,” said San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Investigations Commander”

Well oh, gee, I should hope the Sheriffs Dept would fully process the scene! What the heck sort of statement is that?

The Sheriffs make the statement that ““There is some medical history with the decedent” but fails to mention a recent “tumultuous marriage” where she was on her way back to visit her parents with her children in tow, only to be found dead the morning of her departure.


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cindy could it be that the sheriffs depart. did not want to show all their cards yet ?


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I find that doubtful. It’s a known fact that she was having troubles in her marriage and that she was on her way to Ohio with her children for a while. There is nothing here that wasn’t known to the neighbors, family and friends.


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